Galley Hill Road
On the afternoon of the 10 April 2023 a portion of the southern edge of the Swanscombe Quarry collapsed.
We understand that this collapse caused a landslide resulting in a significant amount of chalk and other materials falling to the quarry floor, on top of business premises located below. The landslide also took with it a portion of the carriageway and footway of Galley Hill Road which is situated on the chalk above the old quarry site. This in turn caused considerable damage to utility infrastructure in the highway, affecting local telephone and broadband services.
What we're doing
We continue to investigate the cause of this landslide and are working to recover the situation as quickly as possible. We are working with interested parties to get expert evidence in relation to the stabilisation of the area of the collapse and options for reinstating the road.
An initial geotechnical assessment has been completed and there remains concern over the condition of the surrounding quarry edge.
At this stage we cannot give a definitive answer as to how long the road will remain closed. Given the scale of the potential remedial works required and the likelihood of danger to the public, it is likely that the road will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
We will provide an update following analysis of the various investigations and in the meantime the security cordon will remain in place to protect members of the public.
View the diversion route:
We are in the process of reviewing the current diversion route and the associated signage with a view to erecting permanent signs and giving clearer direction to HGVs.
The alternative route for pedestrians is via High Street, Stanhope Road, Cycle Track from Thames Way to Stanhope Road, A226 Thames Way, A226 Stonebridge Road, A226 Galley Hill Road and vice versa.
We are looking at the whole area impacted by the road closure with a view to making changes to improve the traffic flows wherever we can. We are investigating the possibility of changing the timings of the traffic signals in the area and looking at other measures that may allow traffic to flow better in the area. However, the area is densely populated, and the traffic flows are high so it is likely that some level of congestion will remain.
Due to the closure of Galley Hill Road, bus routes in the area are on diversion with extended journey times. Below is a list of diversion routes for bus services in the area affected.
Please note, all services are currently operating with the same timetables as prior to the closure, but with delays due to the extended journey times. Arriva are currently developing new timetables for routes 480, 490, Fastrack B and Fastrack AZ. Once details of these timetables are available, including the start date, this will be shared.
Services affected are:
480 and 490
Routes 480 and 490 will divert between the Grove Road roundabout (Ebbsfleet Stadium) and the junction with Swanscombe High Street. These services will operate via Thames Way, Ebbsfleet Gateway, Southfleet Road, Stanhope Road and High Street, re-joining the normal routing at Swanscombe George and Dragon.
As a result, the stops at Ebbsfleet Football Ground, Taunton Road and George and Dragon (Eastbound) will not be able to be served. Temporary stops will however be installed on Thames Way and High Street (Eastbound buses only) within walking distance of the stops not served at Ebbsfleet Football Ground and George and Dragon respectively.
Fastrack B
Fastrack B will divert between Ebbsfleet International Station and Tiltman Avenue. This service will operate via the A2, B255 and London Road, re-joining the normal route at the junction with Craylands Lane/Manor Way. As a result, the stops at Ebbsfleet Football Ground, Taunton Road, The George and Dragon and Craylands Lane (Eastbound) will not be able to be served by Fastrack B.
For Ebbsfleet Football Ground, use the 480/490 at the temporary stop on Thames Way.
For The George and Dragon, use the 480/490 or use Fastrack B to and from the Manor Way Roundabout stops on Tiltman Avenue which will be the nearest Fastrack stops.
Fastrack AZ
Fastrack AZ will divert between Ebbsfleet International Station and Greenhithe Station. This service will operate via the A2, B255 and A206 St Clements Way, re-joining the normal route at Greenhithe Station. As a result, the stops at Ebbsfleet Football Ground, Taunton Road, Swanscombe George and Dragon, Manor Way Roundabout, Community Centre, Ingress Abbey and Waterman’s Way will not be served by Fastrack AZ.
For the Manor Way Roundabout, Community Centre, Ingress Abbey and Waterman’s Way stops, use Fastrack B and interchange with Fastrack A/AZ to and from Amazon LCY3 at Greenhithe Station.
For The George and Dragon, this stop will only be served by 480/490.
The nearest Fastrack stop (Fastrack B only) will be the Manor Way Roundabout stop.
For Ebbsfleet Football Ground, the nearest Fastrack stop will be Ebbsfleet International Station.
3 (school route)
This will divert between the Grove Road Roundabout and the junction with Swanscombe High Street, following the same route as 480/490.
34 (school route)
This will divert between the Springhead Road (Northfleet Enterprise Stop) and the junction of London Road with Swanscombe High Street. This service will divert via Thames Way, Ebbsfleet Gateway, Southfleet Road, Stanhope Road and Swanscombe High Street.
Utilities
Broadband issues
Problems with your telephone lines and broadband will need to be directed initially to your service provider.
Water supply issues
For issues regarding the tankering operation and Water Main Diversion works, contact Thames Water.
Who to contact if your property or business has been affected
At this stage we cannot offer any further information on the cause of the landslide, how it will be remedied or how long the road will be closed.
If you have concerns regarding the affect or impact the issue is having on your property or your business, then your initial point of contact should be your insurers.